Betwixt and between, alternating love and loathing (dread) — that sort of sums up April in ranching (for me).
It brings calving time; a lot of work for everyone directly involved, but it’s a joy to view the outcome.
Watching as the calves frolic about in pastures that are springing back to life, seeing the mother-cows with their heads down, clearly relishing every moment as they nibble on the fresh green-grass (a real boost for the lactating cows) after being penned-up all winter.
April is also tax-time; yuck, it is something I face with dread each year.
Beyond basic math I never found any enjoyment in working with numbers.
No thrills came from book keeping, spread sheets or anything so-related and filing taxes is just a necessary evil to remain in good-standing with Canada Revenue.
Sigh, I am still sorting paper with the April 30 deadline looming-larger.
Doesn’t it make you grind your teeth and want to wipe off that smug-grimace when acquaintances loftily announce that their taxes have been ready-to-go since January and they await only their T-whatever/forms to arrive so that they can actually file?
Sheeesh, that requires great discipline and lots of free time.
I am very envious of those organized souls and hope, eventually, to join that club.
Tax returns for agricultural operators are more complicated than the standard forms and I cannot pretend to profess to understand all the details of my ranch-returns (taxes).
Therefore, I need to access the services (help) of a good agricultural-accountant (a person who understands the cattle business well).
Luckily, I have found such a professional (who is likely wondering when in-the-heck I am finally going to surface (in their office).
Soon, I hope, but I am still (sigh) gathering and sorting paper; tardy because I prefer to be outdoors!
Liz Twan is a rancher and freelance columnist for the Tribune.